Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Responds to Withdrawal of U.S. Census Bureau Nominee Dr. Thomas Brunell

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Kristen Clarke, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, issued the following statement Monday responding to reports that that Dr. Thomas Brunell, President Trump’s pick to lead the U.S. Census Bureau, has withdrawn from consideration:

“Simply put, Dr. Thomas Brunell was woefully unqualified for this critical position.To ensure a full and accurate census count in 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau must be led by someone who brings a commitment to ensuring that all communities are counted.Brunell’s record raised grave concerns about his ability to approach the role with the requisite level of fairness and independence, given his apparent support for partisan gerrymandering.Moving forward, we will continue to demand that this administration identify nominees who are qualified for the critical positions at hand.”